Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice

If you want to use online shopping and prescription services during lockdown but you're not sure where to begin we have some guidance to get you started.

When you see underlined text that changes colour when you put your cursor on it, it means that you can click on it to open up more information. Clicking one these links will open up a different website and to get back to this page you should use the back button on your browser.

Before you jump in, you should take a look the following websites for the basics around security and protecting your information:

• Creating strong passwords - all shopping sites and online banking use passwords to allow you to use their sites but there your passwords need to be strong
• Shopping safely online - advice from BBC Watchdog

Need help with your computer, tablet or phone?

If you are a novice on your PC, tablet or phone there are organisations that provide advice and training:

• AbilityNet - provides free technical help and training to support anyone either 55 or over or anyone with a disability/medical condition. The service is delivered by volunteers using telephone support and remote software. You can also phone them on 0800 269545
• Learn My Way - this is a website to help beginners use the internet and for anyone helping a novice

Online food shopping

Supermarkets are providing online shopping guides to take you through the process of ordering and delivery and some examples include:

• Asda - you will have to type in your postcode before you set up your account to check they deliver to your house. They also have a handy step-by-step guide to walk you through setting up your account
• Iceland - you will have to type in your postcode before you set up your account to check they deliver to your house
• Morrisons - you will have to type in your postcode before you set up your account to check they deliver to your house
• Sainsbury's - you will have to type in your postcode before you set up your account to check they deliver to your house
• Tesco

Other shopping

Once you gain confidence and are familiar with Google this Digital Unite guide will walk you through non-food purchases.

Still struggling?

We are working with the local community to collate and share information that can support vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis. This includes details of council volunteers and other organisations that can help you use online shopping where appropriate. Please call us on 0303 123 1017 if you need our help.